The Yankees announced Friday afternoon that they’ve reinstated designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton from the injured list. Outfielder Estevan Florial was optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Thursday night in a corresponding move.
Stanton, who went on the IL on May 17 with a quad strain, is back after a short-term absence. His return is a welcome development for a Yankee lineup that has since lost Luke Voit, as Stanton is putting up customary strong production to start the year. The 31-year-old is hitting .282/.347/.534 with nine homers over 144 plate appearances.
Florial started the second game of Thursday’s doubleheader with Toronto, going 1-for-3 with a double. The 23-year-old is one of the more promising prospects in the Yankees system, but he's had only 71 at-bats this season and could stand to pick up more developmental time, as MLBTR’s Steve Adams explored Thursday. With presumptive starting center fielder Aaron Hicks likely done for the season due to wrist surgery, Florial should have an opportunity to earn more extended MLB run if he shows well in the minors. For now, struggling veteran Brett Gardner looks like the favorite to take most of his at-bats in center field.
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